Reviews

I think it is the principal who holds kids back so that all students learn the same. It matters to him that all African-American, Mexican and Central American and Asian students learn the same amount even if some kids don't work hard. So the less some kids work, the less work other kids are given. I think teachers would let students learn more if they could. My daughter's teacher gave her websites and told her where she could find more online.

- submitted by a parent

Amount of homework:
Not enough
July 26, 2015

Students who finish their work in class don't get a chance to work ahead. It is not even working ahead because they don't work at grade level. Students could learn at grade level if they were challenged.

- submitted by a parent

Develops grit:
Strongly agree
July 26, 2015

I think grit is like persistence. She got to practice it a lot because she developed strategies like wearing ear plugs so she would not be distracted. She also found a way to apply to a private school. We have to pay $1,000 a year for middle school and she gets tutoring included so she can catch up to her classmates. The persistence to keep learning after school is what she learned at Garfield.

- submitted by a parent

Develops respect:
Strongly disagree
July 26, 2015

Respect is when everyone gets to learn if they work hard. In that way my daughter was disrespected.

- submitted by a parent

Develops empathy:
Disagree
July 26, 2015

I think the school wants all students to feel equal even if the students disrupt classes. My daughter was expected to feel about about someone's home life rather than be angry when a student was disruptive. The principal asked her to consider any hardships the student might have. When she asked if he knew how hard it was to learn when students were disruptive the principal got mad at the teacher for not "building trust and respect." In our school it is never the bad student that is the problem, it is the teacher, the community and the students who do not feel bad for the student but feel bad for wanting to learn more than other students.

- submitted by a parent

Develops honesty:
Disagree
July 26, 2015

Honesty would say that you are achieving grade level because you can do the work of any other student in the United States for the same thing at the same grade. This school makes students think they are achieving something they are not. That does not seem honest or fair to me.

- submitted by a parent

July 26, 2015

My daughter got a scholarship to a middle school and we found that she was working at about the third or fourth grade level even though Garfield said she was gifted and a top student. She even got awards.

- submitted by a parent

February 06, 2015

They have at,stmath,great people teacher coach Sergio and science teacher Amanda turtun I think that this school is great and ressese should be longer

- submitted by a community member

August 01, 2013

My daughter went to a private school for Preschool but for Kindergarden I wanted to enroll her at Garfield since I myself attended this school and graduated from it. I had fond memories at this school with amazing teachers and was hoping she would have the same experience. To our satifaction, She had wonderful teachers in both Kinder (Ms. Quach) and 1st grade (Mr. EA) both excellent teachers who really love what they do and care about their students. Ms. Quach sends extra work home for the breaks and summer recess so the kids can prepare for 1st grade and continue their learning. Mr. EA opens their eyes to college and what it truely means to be a successful scholar. They even had a fied trip to UC Berkeley. Now heading to 2nd grade this Fall 2013 she is a top scholar and I praise her for a job well done but the teachers that helped her along the way deserve much praise aswell thus I am writing this review.

- submitted by a parent

October 20, 2011

I had both of kids attend Garfield from K-5th grade and with it's ups & down I think this school did it's job and preparing them for Middle school. I appreciate the wonderfull teachers they managed to keep and know thay they are there for the interest of the kids and not get caught up with the distric mayham. Thank Ms. Gobielle, Mr. Jakubek and Ms.Winkelstein for your hard work!

- submitted by a parent

no rating
July 27, 2007

One of my kids started at this school last year . We were apprehensive at first but found we had no grounds for concern. Against all odds this school strives for success. They cater for several non English speaking communities and we were pleasantly surprised that her teacher recognised her capabilities and gently pushed and urged her to use her mind to it's full potential. We hope this next year is going to be as positive. I must also mention the after school program is run with care and dedication. From our experience it deserves a thumbs up and as I said it's against all odds.

- submitted by a parent

August 27, 2006

I had two children registered in Garfield last year and this year. Both of my childrens teachers Mrs. Kaneko and Ms. Domdrade Kidnergarden, were very involved with my kids and really interested in seeing them grow.

- submitted by a parent

January 01, 2004

Ms. Harris is a wonderful principal and caring. She cares for all students in this school and she is very educated and devoted.

- submitted by a parent

ADVERTISEMENT

Profile Completeness

All schools on GreatSchools begin with BASIC completeness, which includes important information like contact details and test scores. It’s up to the school community to take the next steps. As a parent or community member, you can share what you know with other families by writing a review or answering a few questions about what the school offers. As a school leader, you can upload photos, describe school programs, and more with an Official school profile.

The completeness meter moves to INTERMEDIATE, then ADVANCED, and finally HONOR ROLL as you complete the following: 10 or more reviews, at least 1 photo, and 9 program questions parents find helpful.

Media Gallery

Uh oh! No photos. This frame will look much better when you
upload photos »

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

About this school

Garfield Elementary strives to provide a caring school community for a multicultural and diverse student population. Our focus on a strong academic program is balanced with our belief that it is our school's responsibility to partner with families to care for all developmental aspect of our students. Garfield Wildcats work together everyday to become productive, caring, and creative adults in the 21st century!